WordNet-Online
Free dictionary and thesaurus of English. Definitions, synonyms, antonyms and more...
Hint: double-click any word to get it searched!

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.wordnet-online.com

Definitions from the Web

Antonyms

Definition: Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings.

Example: The antonym of "hot" is "cold."

Types of Antonyms:

1. Complementary Antonyms: These antonyms represent the two opposite ends of a spectrum and leave no room for any middle ground. For example, "male" and "female" are complementary antonyms.

Example sentence: The complementary antonyms "up" and "down" represent two opposite directions.

2. Gradable Antonyms: These antonyms represent two ends of a scale with various degrees of intensity between them. For example, "big" and "small" are gradable antonyms.

Example sentence: The gradable antonyms "happy" and "sad" represent contrasting emotions.

3. Relational Antonyms: These antonyms show a relationship of opposition or contrast. For example, "buy" and "sell" are relational antonyms.

Example sentence: The relational antonyms "borrow" and "lend" involve the exchange of goods or money.

Usage of Antonyms in Sentences:

1. Opposite meanings:

Example sentence: The word "light" has several antonyms such as "dark," "heavy," and "dim."

2. Enhancing contrast:

Example sentence: The author used the antonym "love" to highlight the contrast between the characters' emotions.

Related Products: Thesaurus Opposite Words Book Vocabulary Flashcards